Former PAN Cadres Flock to PPP in Sleman
Several figures and former cadres from the National Mandate Party (PAN) and some from the Ummah Party have declared their joining of the United Development Party (PPP) in Sleman Regency. They aim for PPP to form at least one faction in the Sleman DPRD in the upcoming elections.
Declaration committee chairman Dodik Ariyanto stated that they are not arriving as an ‘empty wagon’. According to him, the joining cadres are core officials from their previous parties.
“We who are present here are not an empty wagon. In our old party, we already held strategic positions, from chairman, treasurer, secretary, to branch and sub-branch chairmen,” Dodik told reporters after the declaration in Jombor, Sleman, on Sunday (19/4/2026).
He said that this shift is not a sudden decision. Communication and coordination with various parties, including party seniors, have been ongoing for the past several months.
“This is not sudden. We have been interacting and coordinating for several months. Today we are determined to migrate and make PPP our new home,” he said.
Dodik added that the main reason for joining PPP is the similarity in vision and mission, as well as the desire to seek new challenges. He assessed that opportunities for cadres to advance as legislators in PPP remain wide open.
“So this is fundamentally about similarity in vision and mission. In PPP, the opportunities are still great. The minimum target is one faction, meaning four seats are needed. We are optimistic that we can help meet that target,” he stated.
He also mentioned several names from former PAN cadres prepared to run, such as Aris Suranto in electoral district 1 and Nurhidayat in electoral district 3, who have experience as council members.
“Insyaallah, if given ease, we can achieve a target of six seats,” he added.
PPP Sleman DPC Chairman Untung Basuki Rahmat welcomed the joining of these cadres. He viewed it as a signal of increasing trust in PPP.
“First, we express our thanks. This means PPP is increasingly trusted and this adds strength to return to its glory days,” said Untung.
He stated that the target of one faction is the minimum target. PPP Sleman, he said, targets filling seats in all electoral districts.
“The rational target is all electoral districts filled. That way, we can play a greater role, including in the upcoming regional elections,” he said.
Untung is optimistic that this addition of cadres will be significant because they have a clear mass base.
“If they can bring back even half of the previous votes, that would be enough to fill seats in all electoral districts. PPP actually has vote potential, just lacking a little,” he said.
He also revealed that his side is still awaiting additional cadres from various backgrounds, including community figures who will soon join.
“We target a total of around 200 people. Currently, there are about 120, still waiting for around 80 more,” he said.
Untung emphasised that PPP is open to all groups without discrimination based on background.
“We open ourselves to all segments. Sleman is a miniature of Indonesia, so we invite all elements of society to join,” he said.
In the declaration, several senior figures from former PAN also joined, including Sadar Narimo, Nurhidayat, and Aris Suranto. They are expected to strengthen PPP’s vote base in Sleman for the upcoming elections.
Meanwhile, Sleman PAN DPD Chairman R Inoki Azmi P, when confirmed about the many PAN cadres moving to PPP, responded briefly.
“Insyaallah, PAN in Sleman will become bigger, more compact, and stronger,” said Inoki.